The Exchequer Pub

Gastro pubs may not yet be as popular in Ireland as they are in the UK, but places like the Exchequer suggest all that is about to change.

With a smarter than average interior and a decidedly clubby feel, diners can take their pick from three rooms, each offering a different vibe: you can perch casually on tall stools in the front bar with its sculptural ribbed ceiling, for example, snuggle into slouchy leather sofas or cosy booths in the middle bar, or sit more formally on extra comfy bucket chairs in the back room, where a swirling Camilla mirror (à la Philip Treacy) and wonderful portrait of a bodhrán player set a slightly more formal tone.

The palette of warm coral, pistachio green, rich leather and slatted wood make the three interconnecting spaces seem warm, intimate and buzzy. Cool tunes linger in the background, perfectly pitched to avoid drowning out conversations.

The menus are as one would expect from the best gastro pub: prime cuts, succulent roasts, hearty casseroles and pies and moreish comfort food. There’s plenty of Irish produce on offer, and seasonal treats may include a tasty wild venison pie with forest mushrooms wrapped in excellent pastry and served with a thoughtful salad of organic beetroot. At around €12 it makes for good value dining too.

Fish specials may include cockles and mussels, a seafood casserole or signature ling fingers battered in Hilden Belfast Blonde beer and served with good homemade chips, pea purée and tartare sauce.

This type of hearty food fares well when accompanied by a refreshing pint, and The Exchequer doesn’t disappoint. A broad and varied beer menu includes a pleasing selection of European brews and ciders while their wine list offers several choices by the glass, with bottles fairly priced. There’s an exciting cocktail list too, averaging about €9 a glass.

What sets The Exchequer apart from other pubs serving food is the level of attention to detail. The coffees are excellent, the service is restaurant-efficient, and the dessert menu is worthy of a finer dining establishment.

Might also like

Olesya’s is a bright and modern wine bar that’s a cosy spot for a casual meal or drinks. Pleasantly styled with bare wood tables, wall-mounted wine racks, exposed brick and tangled lampshades that throw pretty patterns on the walls, it’s a relaxed and i ...

This large bar is located in the Victorian redbrick block best known for the George's Street Market Arcade. It's an attractive space with lofty ceilings, including a mezzanine floor and simple, stylish furnishings - unfortunately the wooden floor and hard surfaces bounce ...

Just off Grafton Street, Davy Byrnes is one of Dublin's most famous pubs - references in Joyce's Ulysses mean it is very much on the tourist circuit.
Despite all this fame it remains a genuine, well-run place and is equally popular with Dubliners, who find it a handy me ...

Just a few doors away from The Merrion Hotel Sebastien Masi and Kirsten Batt’s chic Dublin restaurants serving some of the cleverest food in town.
The basement room has been beautifully styled using a mix of stone, organically shaped fabric lights, dark wood, orig ...

Dublin city centre has very few dedicated seafood restaurants, but this buzzy seafood bar and grill has upped the ante with its exciting menus packed with delicious fish and shellfish dishes - and an unrelated claim to fame is that Michelle Obama and her daughters ate he ...

Directions

Just off South Great Georges Street, corner of Exchequer Street and Dame Court

IRELAND GUIDE IPHONE APP V2.0

Quickly and easily find all the very best places to eat, drink & stay across the island of Ireland with the cool new Georgina Campbell's Ireland Guide iPhone Application (v 2.0 now available FREE with optional subscription elements that have a 30 day no-obligation free trial).

BlackBerry App

Blackberry mobile phone owners can quickly and easily find all the very best places to eat, drink & stay across the island of Ireland with the cool new Georgina Campbell's Ireland Guide Blackberry Application - have access to the most highly respected, trusted & critically acclaimed independent guide to Irish hospitality whenever you want, wherever you are!

Samsung App

Quickly and easily find all the very best places to eat, drink & stay across the island of Ireland with the cool new Georgina Campbell's Ireland Guide Samsung Bada Application - have access to the most highly respected, trusted & critically acclaimed independent guide to Irish hospitality whenever you want, wherever you are!